Bridal Gown Shopping Tips from Linda Howard…
Here are my top tips when it comes to shopping for the most important dress you will ever wear.
- Shop during the week and by appointment
- Don’t wait until the last minute to receive your dress. Allow yourself 4 weeks in case there are any last minute alterations.
- Bring someone with you: Take your nearest and dearest, and someone who you can really trust when you go to select and try on wedding gowns. You need an honest opinion before you make a huge purchase. Before you shop the stores, shop the magazines: Inside Weddings is one of my favorites. They always have the latest and greatest.
- Select your wedding gown and revisit it several times before you make the final purchase: Keep an open mind. If it still speaks to you after some time you know that you will have made the right decision. It is a fun process. Do not rush it so that you won’t have any regrets.
Ask Questions: The more questions, the better!
Who’s the manufacturer?
What is the structure for deposit, billing, and final payment?
How early do I have to order the dress? How long will it take to receive it?
Is there a refund or cancellation policy? Require this in writing
Are alterations fees included? If so, how many alt. visits are offered? If not, what are the estimates? Get in writing!
Are there shipping fees?
Are there rush fees?
- Offer your future mother-in-law the opportunity to see your gown once you have made a decision on the gown.
- Have hair and make-up done with proper undergarments when trying on dresses.
- Use a vinyl tape measure to take measurements: BEWARE of the CLOTH TAPE MEASURE!!! They can give inaccurate measurements (larger than expected), resulting in necessary alterations. It is a good idea to bring your own vinyl tape measure to ensure proper measurements of your bust, waist, hips, and the length from the hollow of your throat to the hemline
- Order a dress that FITS, not necessarily your SIZE: Although you may wear a size 6 every time you buy something new, wedding dress sizes vary drastically from designer to designer. It is easier to take a gown in than out, don’t be upset if you have a size up. Some designers offer a size conversion chart that offer a more realistic view of the size that you should order based on your measurements.
- Make sure that you’re COMFORTABLE in your gown: Make sure that you are wearing the gown and the gown is not wearing you. Try sitting down to make certain you can breathe comfortably. You will be wearing this gown for 12 hours straight. You will want to feel comfortable and beautiful. You are going to be in your dress all day… taking pictures, through the ceremony, greeting gifts, at the reception, dancing, etc. It is important that you feel beautiful and comfortable in your gown. This comes from selecting the right gown for you and making proper alterations. Alterations should alleviate or eliminate all bunches, tugs, puckers, or pulls in the fabric.
More about shoes later..
